Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center
Preschool · Grimes, IA · reviewed since 2023
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%76+41.5Reliability 24%54+13.1Value 14%78+11Replies to reviews 7%91+6.4Experts Score= 72Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.72SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#24 of 45 after school careiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 48%
4.8★★★★★89 Google reviews · 9 photos
93%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
8.8%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center at a glance
Google reviewers rate the preschool 4.8 out of 5 based on 89 reviews, frequently praising staff attentiveness, daily communication, and low turnover. Families describe the environment as welcoming, noting that children often enjoy attending and benefit from structured learning activities and field trips. The primary criticism involves a specific incident where staff allegedly provided false information regarding a child's pickup, leading to safety concerns.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 89 reviews (93% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 89 Google reviews (80 with written comments).
Owner responses: the business replied to 56% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 29, 2026.
Service: After School Care serving Grimes, Iowa.
Data from Google, last updated November 6, 2026.
Score profile vs other after school care
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and replies to reviews; weakest: reliability.
This companyAfter School Care median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center: 76/100 on this factor. Category median: 77.B
76
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center: 54/100 on this factor. Category median: 69.C
54
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 89.–
–
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center: 78/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.B
78
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center: 91/100 on this factor. Category median: 75.A
91
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
89 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars8393%
4 stars11%
3 stars00%
2 stars11%
1 star44%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 80 written reviews
95%praise
Praise10295%
Complaints55%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price113%
Reasonable788%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude3735%
Would recommend1817%
Communication1413%
Honesty & trust1413%
Quality & results1312%
Speed & response98%
Price & value22%
What customers talk about
We read 80 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“The staff was incredibly caring, attentive, and supportive.”
“My daughter only attended YBR for 6 days, that's all it took to see how unprofessional the place is.”
“If you are looking for a daycare center I would highly recommend YBR South.”
“Highly recommend taking your child to any of the New Horizon Academy centers instead, for a better education/to see them blossom into who they're mean…”
“We toured the facility, and she explained absolutely everything related to childcare and activities.”
“It was inspiring to witness the genuine love the teachers have for the children and to see their wonderful teaching methods in action.”
“Yellow Brick Road South has been a great experience for our family.”
“We transferred from a different location, and Bridgette and the staff made us feel welcome immediately!”
“The center is always kept reasonably clean.”
People customers mention
Years12 reviews
Bridgett11 reviews
Lizzy6 reviews
Heather4 reviews
Tricia3 reviews
Robyn3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
RRichLocal Guide · 29 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
I recently visited YBR to conduct the KidSight vision screenings for the children and was deeply impressed by the experience. The staff was incredibly caring, attentive, and supportive. It was inspiring to witness the genuine love the teachers have for the children and to see their wonderful teaching methods in action.
Reasonable priceService not listed
JJackie2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Yellow Brick Road South has been a great experience for our family. The staff are caring, kind, and supportive. If you are looking for a daycare center I would highly recommend YBR South.
MMelissa2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
Miss Tricia in 4 year old preschool room is amazing. You can tell she really cares about her kiddos. She was exactly what our son needed to prepare for classroom setting from an in-home provider prior to joining YBR. Thank you, Tricia! We’ll miss you!
KKelly2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
Hoy visité esta guardaría y desde que entré sentí la conexión con este lugar, pasados 5 minutos llegó la directora y sentí su amor por lo que hace, se siente que ama su trabajo. Recorrimos el lugar donde me explicó absolutamente todo lo relacionado al cuidado de los niños y actividades, es un lugar limpio,…
Reasonable price
EElli2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 2 months ago★★★★★
We have been sending our kids to YBR for a little over 2 years now. Ms. Trish, Ms. Emily, Ms. Carol, and all the staff are so wonderful & take such great care of our kids. They both run into school every day and are greeted by friends and teachers with smiles & hugs. We are so happy to have found this center. Highly recommend!
CCally6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
Our family loves YBR South Grimes! Very attentive, inviting staff. Our child loves going to daycare and telling us about all his friends and the fun activities they do each day. He loves his teachers, and we know that the teachers love and care for him. Other staff members who aren't even in his room daily know his…
I recently visited YBR to conduct the KidSight vision screenings for the children and was deeply impressed by the experience. The staff was incredibly caring, attentive, and supportive. It was inspiring to witness the genuine love the teachers have for the children and to see their wonderful teaching methods in action.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 6 days ago
Thank you so much for your kind words and for visiting our school! It means so much to hear that the care and dedication of our educators stood out during your visit. Our team works hard to create a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels supported and encouraged to learn and grow. We truly appreciate the important work you do through KidSight and are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you in supporting the health and well-being of our children!
J
Jackie Kohler2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jackie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Yellow Brick Road South has been a great experience for our family. The staff are caring, kind, and supportive. If you are looking for a daycare center I would highly recommend YBR South.
Response from the owner · 4 weeks ago
Thank you, Jackie! We’re so glad your family has had such a positive experience with Yellow Brick Road South. We appreciate your kind words about our team and your recommendation!
E
Erna Kunalic3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Erna has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have so many great things to say about Yellow Brick Road! Since we came here our kiddo has learned so much and has made so many great memories, all of his teachers are so kind, sweet and considerate. Ms. Emily, Ms. Carol, Ms. Ramiza, Ms. Taylor, Ms. Trisha really go out of their way to make their space welcoming and fun for all the kids, you can tell they really love their careers and it shows just by the joy the kids experience with them. The entire staff at Yellow Brick Road is so dear to me, they are always happy to see us and have been so supportive of my son’s development and answer any and all questions I may have. If I could give 10 stars I would!
The space is very open and plenty of options for playground and play area for all ages,
The baby/infant room has a strict no shoes policy and is immaculately clean,
The food options are great and everything is freshly made,
Every room is cleaned regularly with consistency and care.
All in all we love it!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 4 weeks ago
Thank you so much, Erna! We love hearing how much your son has learned and grown with us. Your kind words about his teachers and the care they provide mean a great deal to our team. We’re so happy your family is part of the Yellow Brick Road community!
M
Melissa Searle2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Melissa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Miss Tricia in 4 year old preschool room is amazing. You can tell she really cares about her kiddos. She was exactly what our son needed to prepare for classroom setting from an in-home provider prior to joining YBR. Thank you, Tricia! We’ll miss you!
Response from the owner · 4 weeks ago
Thank you, Melissa! We’re so glad your family had such a positive experience with Ms. Tricia. We’ll be sure she knows how much her care and support meant to you and your child. Wishing your family all the best!
K
Kelly Urrego2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kelly has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Hoy visité esta guardaría y desde que entré sentí la conexión con este lugar, pasados 5 minutos llegó la directora y sentí su amor por lo que hace, se siente que ama su trabajo. Recorrimos el lugar donde me explicó absolutamente todo lo relacionado al cuidado de los niños y actividades, es un lugar limpio, agradable, sus maestros sociables, se ven niños felices, un equipo comprometido. Realmente es lo que buscaba para tomar la decisión del cuidado de mi bebé.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Response from the owner · 4 weeks ago
¡Muchas gracias, Kelly! Nos alegra mucho saber que desde el primer momento se sintió bienvenida y que nuestro equipo le brindó la información y confianza que necesitaba para tomar esta importante decisión. Gracias por considerar a Yellow Brick Road para el cuidado de su bebé y por compartir su experiencia con nosotros.
E
Elli Vore2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Elli has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We have been sending our kids to YBR for a little over 2 years now. Ms. Trish, Ms. Emily, Ms. Carol, and all the staff are so wonderful & take such great care of our kids. They both run into school every day and are greeted by friends and teachers with smiles & hugs. We are so happy to have found this center. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner · 4 weeks ago
Thank you, Elli! It means so much to hear that your children are excited to come to school each day and feel so connected to their teachers and friends. Thank you for trusting our team with their care over the past two years. We’re so happy to have your family at Yellow Brick Road!
L
Lindsay Pilgrim2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lindsay has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Ms. Tricia has been absolutely amazing! Our child has learned so much in her classroom, and she has done a wonderful job preparing him for preschool. She shows so much compassion and patience with the kids, and it’s clear that she has a genuine passion for what she does. She is truly amazing with the children in so many ways—and without saying she’s our favorite, she definitely is! 😊
The teachers in the two-year-old room have been amazing as well. We love that they give the kids opportunities to explore, learn, and grow while making the experience fun and engaging. Similar fun is found in the 3yr old room that we recently transitioned to.
After transitioning from another center in the area, we couldn’t be happier with our decision to join YBR. The staff is friendly, welcoming, and genuinely gets to know the children. They know our children by name and always greet us with a smile, wave, or hello when we arrive.
Simply put, YBR provides a wonderful environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. We are so grateful for the care and support our children receive here and would highly recommend YBR to other families!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Response from the owner · 4 weeks ago
Thank you so much, Lindsay! We love hearing how much your child has learned and grown and how supported your family has felt by our educators and team. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Ms. Tricia and the rest of the team. Thank you for choosing Yellow Brick Road and for taking the time to share your experience!
C
Cally Carlson6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Cally has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Our family loves YBR South Grimes! Very attentive, inviting staff. Our child loves going to daycare and telling us about all his friends and the fun activities they do each day. He loves his teachers, and we know that the teachers love and care for him. Other staff members who aren't even in his room daily know his name and recognize my husband and myself to greet us and tell us good-bye each day. Very friendly and would definitely recommend!
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Cally- Thank you for sharing this feedback! We are so grateful to have your family as part of the YBR South Grimes community!
D
D JLocal Guide · 37 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews D has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We have been part of this daycare family for the past 5 years, and I truly can’t say enough wonderful things about them. From the very beginning, they have loved and cared for my boys like they were their own.
Every teacher has been kind, patient, and incredibly dedicated. It makes it a little easier knowing my boys are in a safe, nurturing, and positive environment every single day.
Over the years, we’ve watched our boys grow, learn, and thrive because of the support and encouragement they receive here. The staff goes above and beyond not just in teaching, but in building relationships and creating a place that truly feels like a second home.
We are beyond grateful for everything they’ve done for our family. If you’re looking for a daycare where your children will be loved, supported, and genuinely cared for, this is the place. 💛
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Madison-
Thank you for the review! It means so much to us! We have enjoyed every moment with your boys and family. Thank you for being part of the South Grimes YBR Community!
